The Office Christmas Party - how to survive!

Dreading the office Christmas party? It's that time of year again and it's easy to run away put your head down and try to avoid it altogether.

Whatever your reason for wanting to avoid the event of the year, there are ways to cope.

So if you're...

• shy and retiring

• averse to parties in general

• hate your work colleagues

• don't know how to dress

• older than the others

• younger than the others

• hate alcohol

• frightened you'll drink too much

• worried about being on your own

read on...

• Speak briefly to the host (or boss) in advance and say that you'd love to come but already have a family occasion arranged - you'd like to pop in for an hour if that's acceptable.
  

• If dinner is planned drop in for just one drink first, set your time limits and have your escape route planned so you can get in and out graciously.

• If partners are included in the invitations and you're unattached find a colleague in the same position. Arriving with a friend is the most supportive thing.
  

• This is not the time to throw your look together at the last minute. Plan your outfit hair and makeup in advance, not over the top but whatever makes you feel and look your best.
  

• Keep alcohol firmly under control

• Don't pile your plate too high with food
  

• Avoid the office lothario at all costs
  

• Don't dress too casually

• Avoid anything too tight, too short or too plunging - think tasteful

• Avoid too much makeup, jewelry or perfume

• Avoid office gossip you can find yourself being mis-quoted...
  

• Don't do anything that you won't be proud of when it's discussed the next day!